Sika me Manouri: Figs with Manouri Cheese

Thanks to chef Marc Provencher of Taverna Khione, a Greek restaurant in Shelburne, for providing this fig recipe.

Ingredients

2-oz. slice of manouri cheese (made from the whey of feta; the best substitution would be halloumi, but if that is not available, you can use warmed feta in the oven, room temperature burrata, or fresh mozzarella)

2 to 4 fresh figs sliced in half

Gai’a Assyrtiko vinegar (this is a Greek balsamic vinegar made from Assyrtiko grapes—not easy to find but you can substitute 12-year-old traditional balsamic vinegar)

salt and pepper

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Directions

Preheat grill. Season cheese with salt and pepper. Grill cheese for two minutes on each side. Careful not to let it get too hot and melt away. Place figs around the cheese and drizzle with vinegar. Serve warm.

Other ideas: A sprinkle of mint works well as a garnish and to add another flavor component. Arugula brings a nice peppery note to it, as well. A grilled piece of bread underneath the cheese and figs makes for a nice open-faced sandwich/bruschetta. Grilling the figs is also an option. If the figs are too ripe or the grill is not hot enough, the figs could stick and ruin the fruit. Be sure to oil the figs and make sure the grill is hot! A quick minute on each side will add a nice char and some smoky notes to the fruit.

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